Staying active with foot and ankle injuries

Slowly working on low impact movements builds joint strength

By Julie Maurer

While there may be the temptation to enjoy more time on the couch after a foot or ankle injury, sometimes a little movement can go a long way when it comes to healing.

According to Melissa Galli, DPM, MHA, a Board Certified, Fellowship Trained Reconstructive Foot and Ankle Surgeon at The CORE Institute, not utilizing the joints and muscles in the areas around the primary injury can lead to further difficulties.

“After an injury, people will often use a special boot for two or three months, but if they haven’t maintained their legs, by the time they heal, they have secondary spine, hip, knee or leg pain,” Dr. Galli said.

She recommends that patients keep moving the areas of the leg that are still functional.

“You may not be able to move up to a third of your leg, but the parts that aren’t affected, keep those parts moving,” Dr. Galli said. “Do a few simple things to make sure you can maintain your independence, adequately heal and move on with your life without additional issues to your gait.”

The first step after a foot or ankle injury is to immobilize it and the nearest joint without causing further damage.

You may not be able to move up to a third of your leg, but the parts that aren’t affected, keep those parts moving. Do a few simple things to make sure you can maintain your independence, adequately heal and move on with your life without additional issues to your gait.

Dr. Galli

“This is an easy thing you can attempt on your own, especially if it’s taking you a while to get a referral,” Dr. Galli said.

But not all immobilization tools are right for every kind of injury. The goal is to keep as much of the leg moving as possible. Dr. Galli advises the following measures, depending on the location of the injury: · Toes/forefoot – post-operative shoe or hiking boot · Arch or bridge – short cam/fracture boot · Hindfoot or ankle – tall cam/fracture boot · For all injuries, in addition, use compression socks (15-20 mm Hg knee high) to help control pain, reduce swelling and prevent blood clots.

Don’t ignore the other limb; weight should be evenly distributed between both legs.

“If you have to go into a boot or device that causes you to not have them in the same height, affix something to the opposite foot to even you out,” Dr. Galli said.

She recommends finding a thick shoe or hiking boot to compensate or purchasing a plastic device for the non-injured side’s shoe.

Once the injured joint is stabilized, it is important to work activities gradually. Activities to avoid should include anything that is high impact, such as running or contact sports. However, things like tai chi, yoga, and stretching can be beneficial and prevent post-injury contractures. “Slowly put more and more weight back into the joint after you’ve had a problem,” Dr. Galli said. “It’s an opportunity to listen to your body to make sure you are doing the right thing and it gives you confidence as you’re going to keep adding a little more without setting yourself back.”

Dr. Melissa Galli